10 Timely Appetizer Trends to Watch in 2025

Move over entrees, appetizers are now the main character.

What began as humble menu openers have evolved into powerful drivers of restaurant revenue and guest experience, led by social media influence and changing consumer preferences.

As food service professionals navigate this dynamic landscape, understanding and implementing these appetizer trends can have a positive impact on both customer satisfaction and business success. Whether managing a restaurant, catering service, or food development program, these trends offer valuable insights into the future of appetizer creation and presentation.

Let's explore how the appetizer segment is evolving and what it means for your business in 2024.

Top 15 appetizer trends

1. Social media-driven dishes

TikTok and other social media platforms have become powerful forces in shaping appetizer development and presentation. These platforms drive rapid trend adoption and influence both home cooks and professional chefs in their approach to appetizer creation.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Visually striking dishes designed for digital sharing

• Short-form video recipe formats

• Trending ingredients and techniques

• Quick, replicable preparation steps

One viral sensation that has gone beyond the screen and into restaurants is baked feta with honey drizzle. Popularized by TikTok, this dish involves baking a block of feta cheese until it's soft and golden, then drizzling it with honey and herbs. The simplicity and versatility of this appetizer have made it a hit both on social media and on real-world menus.

2. Air-fried everything

The air fryer has taken kitchens by storm. The integration of air fryer technology into professional kitchens has revolutionized appetizer preparation, offering healthier alternatives to traditional fried options while maintaining crispy textures.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Minimal oil use with crispy textures

• Reduced cooking times

• Healthier versions of classic appetizers

• Consistent texture and cooking results

One of the most popular air-fried appetizers is air-fried cauliflower buffalo bites. These cauliflower florets are air-fried until crispy and then tossed in buffalo sauce. They offer all the crunch and flavor of traditional buffalo wings but with fewer calories and less fat, making them a perfect appetizer. And, this appetizer can be very cost-effective – cauliflower is inexpensive, and restaurants can easily portion it and still charge a standard appetizer price.  

3. Alternative protein innovation

Laboratory-grown meat and other alternative proteins are emerging as significant players in the appetizer category, reflecting growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical food options.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Lab-grown meats into popular classic appetizers

• Plant-based textures matching traditional proteins

• Distinctive flavors for new protein sources

• Sustainable production methods

Lab-grown meat is more than a fleeting trend—it's a glimpse into the future of food. With technology advancing rapidly and consumer interest in sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives rising, this is a trend that could redefine the meat industry. While it may take time for lab-grown meat to become widely available and accepted, the potential impact on food systems ensures it has long-term staying power.

4. Smashed vegetables

The "smashed" technique has recently gained popularity, particularly with vegetables like potatoes and Brussels sprouts. By smashing vegetables before roasting or frying, you achieve a satisfying combination of crispy edges and soft centers, creating a textural contrast that makes for a delicious appetizer.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Contrasting textures through smashing

• Crispy exteriors with tender centers

• Diverse seasoning combinations

• Multiple vegetable applications

• Fresh presentations of familiar ingredients

The smashed technique is likely to stick around due to its versatility. It can be applied to various vegetables, and the resulting crispy texture appeals to a broad audience. As consumers continue to seek out both comfort and innovation in their appetizers, smashed vegetables will remain a popular option.

One of the most beloved examples of this trend is smashed brussel sprouts. After boiling the Brussels sprouts, they’re smashed flat and roasted until crispy, then seasoned with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. This dish provides a unique way to enjoy a familiar vegetable with an added crunch.

5. Savory eclairs and choux

French pastries are moving beyond their traditional sweet fillings with chefs now crafting savory versions of eclairs and choux buns. These light and airy pastries are being stuffed with cheeses, meats, and vegetables, offering a sophisticated twist on classic appetizers.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Sweet pastry techniques for savory applications

• Innovative filling combinations

• Light pastry with bold flavors

• Temperature and texture contrasts

A push toward blending traditional techniques with new flavors is driving this innovation. Chefs are constantly experimenting with ways to reinvent classic dishes, and transforming sweet pastries into savory appetizers is a natural extension of this creativity. Additionally, diners are seeking more complex and unexpected flavor combinations, which savory eclairs and choux perfectly satisfy.

Truffle cheese choux buns are an elegant example of this trend. These choux pastries are filled with a rich, creamy truffle cheese, offering an indulgent and flavorful bite. The combination of the light pastry and the luxurious cheese makes for a memorable appetizer. 

6. Fermented flavors

Fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut are being used to add tang and depth to appetizers. Fermentation not only enhances flavor but also offers health benefits due to its probiotic content, making these appetizers both tasty and beneficial.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Complex, layered flavor profiles

• Probiotic health benefits

• Extended product lifespan

• Cost-effective production methods

As people continue seeking both health benefits and bold flavors fermented foods will remain relevant. The integration of fermentation into various cuisines and its endorsement by nutritionists and health experts suggest this trend has strong staying power.

Kimchi pancakes are a savory delight that showcases the power of fermented flavors. These pancakes incorporate fermented kimchi into the batter, offering a spicy, tangy bite that pairs perfectly with dipping sauces. 

7. Edible flowers

Edible flowers have shifted from garnish to ingredient with more chefs integrating them into the flavor profiles of their dishes. Appetizers featuring edible flowers offer both visual and flavor appeal, combining beauty with taste in a way that enhances the dining experience.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Natural color and visual elements

• Seasonal menu variations

• Subtle flavor additions

• Premium dish enhancement

• Local sourcing partnerships

The desire for visually stunning food experiences and the popularity of seasonal, fresh ingredients are driving this trend. Edible flowers add vibrant colors and unique flavors to dishes, making them more appealing on social media and in high-end dining settings. Additionally, the use of edible flowers aligns with the farm-to-table movement, emphasizing fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

8. Gochujang

Korean ingredients, particularly gochujang (a fermented condiment made from red chili peppers, sticky rice, fermented soybeans, and salt), have become foundational elements in contemporary appetizer development, offering complex flavor profiles and versatile applications. 

The global rise of Korean cuisine, fueled by the popularity of Korean BBQ and dishes like kimchi, has made gochujang a sought-after ingredient. 

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Bold, spicy flavor profiles

• Traditional Korean ingredients

• Heat level variations

• Classical cooking techniques

• Familiar format adaptations

Gochujang-glazed chicken wings are a perfect representation of this trend. Chicken wings are coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang glaze and then baked or grilled to perfection. The result is a flavorful, sticky coating that pairs well with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese, making them a favorite in both casual and upscale dining settings.

9. Alcohol-free pairings

The rise of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages has created demand for specifically designed complementary appetizers, expanding menu development opportunities.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Complementary flavor profiles

• Inclusive menu options

• Elevated non-alcoholic experiences

• Health-conscious alternatives

• Specialized service presentations

With more people seeking alcohol-free options, this trend has strong staying power. The rise of non-alcoholic spirits and innovative mocktails ensures that the demand for complementary appetizers will continue to grow, making it a staple in both home and professional dining environments.

Ginger lime tonic with avocado toast bites is an ideal pairing for this trend. The ginger lime tonic offers a tangy and refreshing beverage that pairs perfectly with the creamy, crispy avocado toast bites. The acidity of the tonic balances the richness of the avocado, creating a harmonious flavor combination that satisfies both taste and dietary preferences.

10. Microgreens

Microgreens, once a garnish, are becoming central components in appetizer recipes. These tiny, nutrient-dense greens add fresh flavor and vibrant color to dishes, making them both aesthetically pleasing and healthy.

Key aspects of this trend include:

• Dense nutritional profiles

• Fresh, vibrant presentations

• Distinctive flavor elements

• Seasonal ingredient rotation

• Local growing partnerships

As diners become more health-aware and seek fresh, local ingredients, microgreens are likely to remain popular. Their versatility and the nutritional benefits they offer ensure that they will continue to be a favored ingredient in both home cooking and professional kitchens.

Microgreen salad crostini showcases the versatility of microgreens in appetizers. Crisp crostini slices are topped with a fresh microgreen salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette. The combination of the crunchy bread, the tender microgreens, and the tangy dressing creates a refreshing bite that appeals to health-conscious diners.

Appetizers are no longer just an introduction to the main course—they are trendsetters in their own right. 

From sustainable cooking practices to viral social media recipes, the appetizer scene in 2024 is more dynamic and innovative than ever. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, these trends offer plenty of inspiration to elevate your appetizer game. Embracing these trends not only enhances the dining experience but also aligns with broader movements towards sustainability, health, and culinary creativity.